I am not ready to quit ―Federer

Roger Federer says the prospect of retirement can wait as he loves tennis too much.

The question of when Federer will hang up his racket has been a regular theme in recent years for the 36-year-old.

Speaking after his defeat to Juan Martin Del Potro, Federer told reporters: “Tough question. I don’t know how much time we have, but, yeah. I mean, look, I think staying positive through the tough moments is really key. Because you’re always going to go through ups and downs in your career, or as a person for that matter.

“You know, I have been content for a long, long time on the tour. I guess ever since I became world No. 1 back in 2004 and won Wimbledon in 2003, my life was complete as a tennis player. Those were my dreams as a little kid.

“So that’s why retirement can wait, and I’m just really enjoying the ride, you know. Yeah, I’m really having a good time on the tour.

“And I think by having had, you know, problems of my own in ’16, I think maybe people saw — it hasn’t always come easy for me, as well, because people like to see the easy part, you know, how I make it look easy. It’s not always like that. For nobody it’s like that at the top.

“Yeah, it’s a good story. When I can inspire and motivate people through my story, that’s obviously a great thing.”